9 P. MANIKANDAN .Cdr

Indian Forester, 142 (10) : 979-988, 2016 ISSN No. 0019-4816 (Print) http://www.indianforester.co.in ISSN No. 2321-094X (Online)

BIRD DIVERSITY OF A RIPARIAN FOREST IN THE NILGIRI BIOSPHERE RESERVE, INDIA

P. MANIKANDAN AND P. BALASUBRAMANIAN

Landscape Ecology Division, Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Anaikatty, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT A total of 158 species of birds belonging to 56 families was recorded in a lowland riparian forest in along Bhavani river in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India from August 2012 to July 2014. Of the 158 species of birds, 110 species were residents, 33 were winter migrants and 15 summer migrants. The order Passeriformes was highest in dominance followed by Piciformes and Falconiformes. Insectivores (47%) constituted the most predominant guild followed by frugivores (20%). Highest species richness (127) was observed in February and lowest (75) in July. Maximum diversity value (4.23) was recorded in December. Avifauna of the study area comprised one threatened species, Nilgiri Woodpigeon (Columba elphinstonii)- Vulnerable and five near-threatened species and four endemic species. This study illustrated useful information on bird diversity of a low-land riparian forest which serves as a baseline for future research and monitoring. Key words: Birds, Lesser Fish-eagle, Hornbills, Bhavani river.

Introduction Western Ghats, India (Fig. 1). This Valley which is Birds play a useful role in the control of insect of contiguous to Nilgiri south-eastern slopes and part of the pests, as predators of rodents, scavengers, seed dispersers Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, forms an ecologically important and as pollinating agents and thus form an important region owing to the presence of pristine semi-evergreen component in natural ecosystem (Manjunath and Joshi, forests alongside the Bhavani River and high diversity of 2012). The Indian subcontinent has diverse avian fauna wild fauna. The Bhavani River originates from Silent Valley with above 1,300 bird species (Rasmussen and Anderton, in the State of Kerala and flows into western Tamil Nadu, 2012). Avifaunal diversity has been decreasing due to the covering a distance of 217 km before merging with the destruction of natural habitat by human activities (Bhadja Cauvery. The narrow strip of vegetation that occurs along and Vaghela, 2013). Protection and maintenance of the river banks is distinct in its composition comprising tall avifaunal diversity is important in maintaining species trees such as Terminalia arjuna, Mangifera indica and diversity of plants and animals (Simeone et al., 2002). Birds Madhuca longifolia. The riverine forest is bordered by the inhabit a variety of ecosystems such as forest, grassland, Athikadavu Valley wetland, etc. (Blair, 1999). Riparian habitats have been shown to be important in maintaining biodiversity (Naiman et al., 1993) and considered as topical forest refugia (Farooqui et al., 2010). Although riparian forests have been known for the high bird species richness (Darveau et al., 1995) very little information is available from India (Johnsingh and Joshua, 1994; Balasubramanian et al., 2004). Hence, with the objective of assessing avian diversity and richness of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the present study was carried out in the riparian forests Bhavani river, Western Ghats. Study area The study was carried out in Athikadavu Valley (10o37` – 11o12` N and 76o45` – 77o50` E, Altitude 550m), along the river Bhavani in the Coimbatore Forest Division, Fig. 1: Map of the study area

A total of 158 bird species belonging to 121 genera of 56 families were recorded from the lowland riparian forest in Athikadavu Valley, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 980 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 981

mixed dry deciduous forests predominated by short trees names and scientific nomenclature of bird has been S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN such as Diospyros montana, Drypetes sepiaria, and adopted from (DelHoyo and Collar, 2014). The threat ance guild status Strychnos potatorum. Several “Irula” tribal settlements status of the birds given in the check list is as per IUCN list 21 Coraciiformes Coracias benghalensis R 0.90 I LC are situated in Athikadavu Valley who practice agriculture of Threatened Taxa (Birdlife International, 2001). Birds Coraciidae as well as gather forest products for their sustenance. recorded in the study area were classified as residents Indian Roller 22 Alcedinidae Alcedo atthis R 3.05 P LC Material and Methods (seen throughout the year), winter migrants (seen during September-February) and summer migrants (March- Common Kingfisher 23 Cerylidae Ceryle rudis SM 0.20 P LC The study was carried out from August 2012 to July May). Birds were classified into various feeding guilds Pied Kingfisher 2014. Bird census was done by using Line transect method based on Ali and Ripley (1983). Species diversity was as given in Bibby et al. (1992). Censuses were carried out 24 Halcyonidae Halcyon pileata SM 0.10 P LC calculated by using Shannon-Wiener Index H' = - S Pi In Pi Black-capped Kingfisher once in a month during morning hrs (between 0700 and where the Pi = the proportion of individuals of species i. 25 Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis R 3.90 P LC 0900 hrs) on the Bhavani River bank in Athikadavu valley 26 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis R 4.40 I LC along the riparian forest strip. Two, 1 km long transects Results 27 Meropidae Merops orientalis R 6.00 I LC with a width of 10 m either side of the census route were The study revealed the occurrence of 158 species Little Green Bee-eater used for the census. Birds sighted were identified using (51.26% Passeriformes and 48.74% Non-Passeriformes) of 28 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaultia WM 3.70 I LC binoculars (8x40). Photographs of birds were taken by a birds belonging to 18 orders of 56 families and 121 genera 29 Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni SM 0.45 I LC 30 Cuculiformes Clamator coromandus WM 0.25 I LC Canon (12 mp with x 20 optical zoom lenses) camera. Birds in Athikadavu Valley. White-browed Bulbul (26.45) Cuculidae were identified by their characteristic features in followed by Little Cormorant (24.35) and Grey-fronted Chestnut-winged Cuckoo accordance with the standard identification manuals and Green Pigeon (24.35) were found to be the most abundant 31 Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus R 0.40 I LC field guides by Ali and Ripley (1983); Ali (2002) and species in the area (Table 1). Among the 18 orders, 32 Common Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx varius SM 0.25 I LC Rasmussen and Anderton (2012). Common (English) Passeriformes with 81 species formed the most 33 Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerines R 0.40 I LC 34 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus R F LC Table 1: Birds recorded in the riparian forest of Athikadavu valley 35 Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris R 3.80 I LC 36 Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultia R 0.15 I LC S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN ance guild status 37 Centropodidae Centropus sinensis R 1.60 I LC Greater Coucal 1 Galliformes Pavo cristatus R 3.00 O LC 38 Psittaciformes Loriculus vernalis R 1.25 F LC Phasianidae Psittacidae Indian Peafowl Vernal Hanging-parrot 2 Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii R 4.80 O LC 39 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri R 4.80 F LC 3 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix R 0.65 G LC 40 Malabar Parakeet Psittacula columboides R, E 11.65 F LC 4 Jungle Bush-quail Perdicula asiatica R 0.40 G LC 41 Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala R 1.20 F LC 5 Painted Bush-quail Perdicula erythrorhyncha R 0.85 G LC 42 Apodiformes Apus affinis R 2.35 I LC 6 Piciformes Dinopium javanense R 5.05 I LC Apodidae Picidae Little Swift Common Flameback 43 Strigiformes Otus lettia R 0.40 Cr LC 7 Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus R 0.25 I LC Strigidae 8 Indian Pygmy Woodpecker Picoides nanus R 0.70 I LC Collared Scops-owl 9 Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus WM 0.10 I LC 44 Brown Fish-owl Ketupa zeylonensis SM 0.15 Cr LC 10 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis R 0.50 I LC 45 Rock Eagle-owl Bubo bengalensis R 0.20 Cr LC 11 White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus R 0.45 I LC 46 Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum R 0.85 Cr LC 12 Capitonidae Psilopogon viridis R 4.85 F LC 47 Brown Hawk-owl Ninox scutulata WM 0.25 Cr LC White-cheeked Barbet 48 Spotted Owlet Athene brama R 0.25 Cr LC 13 Brown-headed Barbet Psilopogon zeylanicus R 5.25 F LC 49 Columbiformes Treron affinis R 23.45 F LC 14 Malabar Barbet Psilopogon malabaricus WM, E 0.15 F LC Columbidae 15 Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus R 15.75 F LC Grey-fronted Green Pigeon 16 Bucerotiformes Anthracoceros coronatus R 3.90 F NT 50 Nilgiri Woodpigeon Columba elphinstonii WM, E 0.15 F V Bucerotidae 51 Rock Pigeon Columba livia R 4.00 G LC Malabar Pied Hornbill 52 Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica R 1.85 G LC 17 Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis R 0.70 F NT 53 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis R 9.20 G LC 18 Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris WM 0.10 F LC 54 Red Collared-dove Streptopelia tranquebarica R 0.45 G LC 19 Upupiformes Upupa epops R 0.90 I LC 55 Gruiformes Amaurornis phoenicurus R 0.20 I LC Upupidae Rallidae Common Hoopoe White-breasted Waterhen 20 Trogoniformes Harpactes fasciatus SM 0.35 I LC 56 Charadriiformes Vanellus indicus R 2.40 I LC Trogonidae Charadriidae Malabar Trogon Red-wattled Lapwing 980 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 981

mixed dry deciduous forests predominated by short trees names and scientific nomenclature of bird has been S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN such as Diospyros montana, Drypetes sepiaria, and adopted from (DelHoyo and Collar, 2014). The threat ance guild status Strychnos potatorum. Several “Irula” tribal settlements status of the birds given in the check list is as per IUCN list 21 Coraciiformes Coracias benghalensis R 0.90 I LC are situated in Athikadavu Valley who practice agriculture of Threatened Taxa (Birdlife International, 2001). Birds Coraciidae as well as gather forest products for their sustenance. recorded in the study area were classified as residents Indian Roller 22 Alcedinidae Alcedo atthis R 3.05 P LC Material and Methods (seen throughout the year), winter migrants (seen during September-February) and summer migrants (March- Common Kingfisher 23 Cerylidae Ceryle rudis SM 0.20 P LC The study was carried out from August 2012 to July May). Birds were classified into various feeding guilds Pied Kingfisher 2014. Bird census was done by using Line transect method based on Ali and Ripley (1983). Species diversity was as given in Bibby et al. (1992). Censuses were carried out 24 Halcyonidae Halcyon pileata SM 0.10 P LC calculated by using Shannon-Wiener Index H' = - S Pi In Pi Black-capped Kingfisher once in a month during morning hrs (between 0700 and where the Pi = the proportion of individuals of species i. 25 Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis R 3.90 P LC 0900 hrs) on the Bhavani River bank in Athikadavu valley 26 White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis R 4.40 I LC along the riparian forest strip. Two, 1 km long transects Results 27 Meropidae Merops orientalis R 6.00 I LC with a width of 10 m either side of the census route were The study revealed the occurrence of 158 species Little Green Bee-eater used for the census. Birds sighted were identified using (51.26% Passeriformes and 48.74% Non-Passeriformes) of 28 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaultia WM 3.70 I LC binoculars (8x40). Photographs of birds were taken by a birds belonging to 18 orders of 56 families and 121 genera 29 Blue-bearded Bee-eater Nyctyornis athertoni SM 0.45 I LC 30 Cuculiformes Clamator coromandus WM 0.25 I LC Canon (12 mp with x 20 optical zoom lenses) camera. Birds in Athikadavu Valley. White-browed Bulbul (26.45) Cuculidae were identified by their characteristic features in followed by Little Cormorant (24.35) and Grey-fronted Chestnut-winged Cuckoo accordance with the standard identification manuals and Green Pigeon (24.35) were found to be the most abundant 31 Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus R 0.40 I LC field guides by Ali and Ripley (1983); Ali (2002) and species in the area (Table 1). Among the 18 orders, 32 Common Hawk-cuckoo Hierococcyx varius SM 0.25 I LC Rasmussen and Anderton (2012). Common (English) Passeriformes with 81 species formed the most 33 Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerines R 0.40 I LC 34 Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus R F LC Table 1: Birds recorded in the riparian forest of Athikadavu valley 35 Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris R 3.80 I LC 36 Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultia R 0.15 I LC S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN ance guild status 37 Centropodidae Centropus sinensis R 1.60 I LC Greater Coucal 1 Galliformes Pavo cristatus R 3.00 O LC 38 Psittaciformes Loriculus vernalis R 1.25 F LC Phasianidae Psittacidae Indian Peafowl Vernal Hanging-parrot 2 Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii R 4.80 O LC 39 Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri R 4.80 F LC 3 Common Quail Coturnix coturnix R 0.65 G LC 40 Malabar Parakeet Psittacula columboides R, E 11.65 F LC 4 Jungle Bush-quail Perdicula asiatica R 0.40 G LC 41 Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala R 1.20 F LC 5 Painted Bush-quail Perdicula erythrorhyncha R 0.85 G LC 42 Apodiformes Apus affinis R 2.35 I LC 6 Piciformes Dinopium javanense R 5.05 I LC Apodidae Picidae Little Swift Common Flameback 43 Strigiformes Otus lettia R 0.40 Cr LC 7 Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus R 0.25 I LC Strigidae 8 Indian Pygmy Woodpecker Picoides nanus R 0.70 I LC Collared Scops-owl 9 Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus WM 0.10 I LC 44 Brown Fish-owl Ketupa zeylonensis SM 0.15 Cr LC 10 Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis R 0.50 I LC 45 Rock Eagle-owl Bubo bengalensis R 0.20 Cr LC 11 White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus R 0.45 I LC 46 Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum R 0.85 Cr LC 12 Capitonidae Psilopogon viridis R 4.85 F LC 47 Brown Hawk-owl Ninox scutulata WM 0.25 Cr LC White-cheeked Barbet 48 Spotted Owlet Athene brama R 0.25 Cr LC 13 Brown-headed Barbet Psilopogon zeylanicus R 5.25 F LC 49 Columbiformes Treron affinis R 23.45 F LC 14 Malabar Barbet Psilopogon malabaricus WM, E 0.15 F LC Columbidae 15 Coppersmith Barbet Psilopogon haemacephalus R 15.75 F LC Grey-fronted Green Pigeon 16 Bucerotiformes Anthracoceros coronatus R 3.90 F NT 50 Nilgiri Woodpigeon Columba elphinstonii WM, E 0.15 F V Bucerotidae 51 Rock Pigeon Columba livia R 4.00 G LC Malabar Pied Hornbill 52 Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica R 1.85 G LC 17 Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis R 0.70 F NT 53 Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis R 9.20 G LC 18 Indian Grey Hornbill Ocyceros birostris WM 0.10 F LC 54 Red Collared-dove Streptopelia tranquebarica R 0.45 G LC 19 Upupiformes Upupa epops R 0.90 I LC 55 Gruiformes Amaurornis phoenicurus R 0.20 I LC Upupidae Rallidae Common Hoopoe White-breasted Waterhen 20 Trogoniformes Harpactes fasciatus SM 0.35 I LC 56 Charadriiformes Vanellus indicus R 2.40 I LC Trogonidae Charadriidae Malabar Trogon Red-wattled Lapwing 982 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 983

S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN ance guild status ance guild status 57 Ardeidae Egretta garzetta R 0.95 P LC Little Egret 94 White-bellied Drongo Edolius caerulescens R 3.05 I LC 58 Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia WM 3.00 P LC 95 Ashy Drongo Edolius leucophaeus SM 0.65 I LC 59 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis R 0.75 I LC 96 Bronzed Drongo Chaptia aeneus WM 0.50 I LC 60 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii R 2.50 P LC 97 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus WM 0.40 I LC 61 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea WM 0.40 P LC 98 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus R 5.60 I LC 62 Green-backed Heron Butorides striata R 0.35 P LC 99 Monarchidae Terpsiphone paradise WM 1.95 I LC 63 Ciconiiformes Actitis hypoleucos WM 0.65 I LC Asian Paradise-flycatcher Scolopacidae 100 Aegithinidae Aegithina tiphia R 6.30 I LC Common Sandpiper Common Iora 64 Ciconiidae Anastomus oscitans WM 0.85 P LC 101 Malconotinae Tephrodornis pondicerianus R 1.40 I LC Asian Openbill Common Woodshrike 65 Falconiformes Aviceda jerdoni WM 0.20 Cr LC 102 Malabar Woodshrike Tephrodornis sylvicola R 0.30 I LC Accipitridae 103 Muscicapidae Myophonus horsfieldii SM 0.20 I LC Jerdon's Baza Turdinae 66 Black Kite Milvus migrans R 0.55 Cr LC Malabar Whistling-thrush 67 Lesser Fish-eagle Ichthyophaga humilis R 3.30 P NT 104 Eurasian Blackbird Turdus simillimus WM 1.50 I LC 68 Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela R 0.70 Cr LC 105 Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus R 3.90 I LC 69 Changeable Hawk-eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus R 0.50 Cr LC 106 Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis R 7.75 I LC 70 Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata R 0.35 Cr LC 107 White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus R 1.70 I LC 71 Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus R 0.95 Cr LC 108 Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata R 1.40 I LC 72 Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis R 0.40 Cr LC 109 Muscicapinae Cyornis tickelliae R 8.20 I LC 73 Shikra Accipiter badius R 1.25 Cr LC Tickell's Blue-flycatcher 74 Podicipediformes Tachybaptus ruficollis R 0.20 I LC 110 Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa latirostris WM 0.25 I LC Podicipedidae 111 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus WM 0.60 I LC Little Grebe 112 Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica WM 0.45 I LC 75 Anhingidae Anhinga melanogaster R 0.30 P NT 113 Nilgiri Flycatcher Eumyias albicaudatus WM, E 0.25 I NT Oriental Darter 114 Sturnidae Acridotheres tristis R 16.10 O LC 76 Suliformes Microcarbo niger R 24.35 P LC Common Myna Phalacrocoracidae 115 Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus R 9.05 O LC Little Cormorant 116 Hill Myna Gracula religiosa WM 1.65 F LC 77 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo R 0.15 P LC 117 Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum R 0.85 F LC 78 Passeriformes Pitta brachyuran WM 0.15 I LC 118 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabaricus WM 3.65 F LC Pittidae 119 Rosy Starling Pastor roseus SM 0.30 F LC Indian Pitta 120 Sittidae Sitta frontalis R 0.25 I LC 79 Irenidae Irena puella R 6.40 F LC Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Asian Fairy-bluebird 121 Paridae Parus nuchalis R 3.60 I LC 80 Chloropseidae Chloropsis aurifrons R 7.60 I LC Cinereous Tit Golden-fronted Leafbird 122 Hirundinidae Hirundo tahitica R 7.30 I LC 81 Laniidae Lanius vittatus R 0.65 I LC Pacific Swallow Bay-backed Shrike 123 Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus cafer R 20.65 F LC 82 Corvidae Dendrocitta vagabunda R 4.30 F LC Red-vented Bulbul Rufous Treepie 124 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus R 17.30 F LC 83 House Crow Corvus splendens R 2.30 O LC 125 White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus R 26.45 F LC 84 Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminates R 3.35 O LC 126 Asian Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus WM 0.75 F LC 85 Artamidae Artamus fuscus R 1.00 I LC 127 Yellow-browed Bulbul Acritillas indica R 4.25 F LC Ashy Woodswallow 128 Cisticolidae Prinia socialis R 1.50 I LC 86 Oriolidae Oriolus xanthornus R 4.45 F LC Ashy Prinia Black-hooded Oriole 129 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata R 0.45 I LC 87 Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo WM 1.40 F LC 130 Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii R 0.25 I LC 88 Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis WM 0.35 F LC 131 Zosteropidae Zosterops palpebrosus SM 0.45 F LC 89 Campephagidae Coracina macei SM 0.30 I LC Oriental White-eye Large Cuckooshrike 132 Sylviidae Phylloscopus trochiloides WM 0.45 I LC 90 Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera SM 0.40 I LC Greenish Warbler 91 Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus R 6.85 I LC 133 Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus Agricola R 1.30 I LC 92 Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus R 8.20 I LC 134 Blyth's Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum SM 1.10 I LC 93 Dicruridae Edolius macrocercus R 10.40 I LC 135 Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata WM 1.30 I LC Black Drongo 136 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius R 4.35 I LC 982 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 983

S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN ance guild status ance guild status 57 Ardeidae Egretta garzetta R 0.95 P LC Little Egret 94 White-bellied Drongo Edolius caerulescens R 3.05 I LC 58 Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia WM 3.00 P LC 95 Ashy Drongo Edolius leucophaeus SM 0.65 I LC 59 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis R 0.75 I LC 96 Bronzed Drongo Chaptia aeneus WM 0.50 I LC 60 Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii R 2.50 P LC 97 Spangled Drongo Dicrurus hottentottus WM 0.40 I LC 61 Grey Heron Ardea cinerea WM 0.40 P LC 98 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus R 5.60 I LC 62 Green-backed Heron Butorides striata R 0.35 P LC 99 Monarchidae Terpsiphone paradise WM 1.95 I LC 63 Ciconiiformes Actitis hypoleucos WM 0.65 I LC Asian Paradise-flycatcher Scolopacidae 100 Aegithinidae Aegithina tiphia R 6.30 I LC Common Sandpiper Common Iora 64 Ciconiidae Anastomus oscitans WM 0.85 P LC 101 Malconotinae Tephrodornis pondicerianus R 1.40 I LC Asian Openbill Common Woodshrike 65 Falconiformes Aviceda jerdoni WM 0.20 Cr LC 102 Malabar Woodshrike Tephrodornis sylvicola R 0.30 I LC Accipitridae 103 Muscicapidae Myophonus horsfieldii SM 0.20 I LC Jerdon's Baza Turdinae 66 Black Kite Milvus migrans R 0.55 Cr LC Malabar Whistling-thrush 67 Lesser Fish-eagle Ichthyophaga humilis R 3.30 P NT 104 Eurasian Blackbird Turdus simillimus WM 1.50 I LC 68 Crested Serpent-Eagle Spilornis cheela R 0.70 Cr LC 105 Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus R 3.90 I LC 69 Changeable Hawk-eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus R 0.50 Cr LC 106 Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis R 7.75 I LC 70 Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciata R 0.35 Cr LC 107 White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus R 1.70 I LC 71 Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus R 0.95 Cr LC 108 Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata R 1.40 I LC 72 Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis R 0.40 Cr LC 109 Muscicapinae Cyornis tickelliae R 8.20 I LC 73 Shikra Accipiter badius R 1.25 Cr LC Tickell's Blue-flycatcher 74 Podicipediformes Tachybaptus ruficollis R 0.20 I LC 110 Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa latirostris WM 0.25 I LC Podicipedidae 111 Verditer Flycatcher Eumyias thalassinus WM 0.60 I LC Little Grebe 112 Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica WM 0.45 I LC 75 Anhingidae Anhinga melanogaster R 0.30 P NT 113 Nilgiri Flycatcher Eumyias albicaudatus WM, E 0.25 I NT Oriental Darter 114 Sturnidae Acridotheres tristis R 16.10 O LC 76 Suliformes Microcarbo niger R 24.35 P LC Common Myna Phalacrocoracidae 115 Jungle Myna Acridotheres fuscus R 9.05 O LC Little Cormorant 116 Hill Myna Gracula religiosa WM 1.65 F LC 77 Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo R 0.15 P LC 117 Brahminy Starling Sturnia pagodarum R 0.85 F LC 78 Passeriformes Pitta brachyuran WM 0.15 I LC 118 Chestnut-tailed Starling Sturnia malabaricus WM 3.65 F LC Pittidae 119 Rosy Starling Pastor roseus SM 0.30 F LC Indian Pitta 120 Sittidae Sitta frontalis R 0.25 I LC 79 Irenidae Irena puella R 6.40 F LC Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Asian Fairy-bluebird 121 Paridae Parus nuchalis R 3.60 I LC 80 Chloropseidae Chloropsis aurifrons R 7.60 I LC Cinereous Tit Golden-fronted Leafbird 122 Hirundinidae Hirundo tahitica R 7.30 I LC 81 Laniidae Lanius vittatus R 0.65 I LC Pacific Swallow Bay-backed Shrike 123 Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus cafer R 20.65 F LC 82 Corvidae Dendrocitta vagabunda R 4.30 F LC Red-vented Bulbul Rufous Treepie 124 Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus R 17.30 F LC 83 House Crow Corvus splendens R 2.30 O LC 125 White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus R 26.45 F LC 84 Indian Jungle Crow Corvus culminates R 3.35 O LC 126 Asian Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus WM 0.75 F LC 85 Artamidae Artamus fuscus R 1.00 I LC 127 Yellow-browed Bulbul Acritillas indica R 4.25 F LC Ashy Woodswallow 128 Cisticolidae Prinia socialis R 1.50 I LC 86 Oriolidae Oriolus xanthornus R 4.45 F LC Ashy Prinia Black-hooded Oriole 129 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata R 0.45 I LC 87 Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo WM 1.40 F LC 130 Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii R 0.25 I LC 88 Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis WM 0.35 F LC 131 Zosteropidae Zosterops palpebrosus SM 0.45 F LC 89 Campephagidae Coracina macei SM 0.30 I LC Oriental White-eye Large Cuckooshrike 132 Sylviidae Phylloscopus trochiloides WM 0.45 I LC 90 Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera SM 0.40 I LC Greenish Warbler 91 Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus R 6.85 I LC 133 Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus Agricola R 1.30 I LC 92 Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus R 8.20 I LC 134 Blyth's Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum SM 1.10 I LC 93 Dicruridae Edolius macrocercus R 10.40 I LC 135 Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata WM 1.30 I LC Black Drongo 136 Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius R 4.35 I LC 984 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 985

Table 2: Per cent occurrence of bird family in the study area. S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN ance guild status S. No. Family Per cent occurrence 1 Phasianidae 3.16% 137 Timaliinae Dumetia hyperythra R 2.60 I LC Tawny-bellied Babbler 2 Picidae 3.80% 138 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata R 9.60 I LC 3 Capitonidae 2.53% 139 Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense R 0.70 I LC 4 Bucerotidae 1.90% 140 Common Babbler Turdoides caudata R 21.00 I LC 5 Upupidae 0.63% 141 Alaudidae Mirafra erythroptera WM 0.40 G LC 6 Trogonidae 0.63% Indian Bushlark 7 Coraciidae 0.63% 142 Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans R 0.65 G LC 8 Alcedinidae 0.63% 143 Dicaeidae Dicaeum erythrorhynchos R 4.55 F LC 9 Cerylidae 0.63% Pale-billed Flowerpecker 10 Halcyonidae 1.90% 144 Thick-billed Flowerpecker Pachyglossa agile R 0.75 F LC 11 Meropidae 1.90% 145 Nectarinidae Cinnyris asiatica R 4.60 N LC 12 Cuculidae 4.43% Purple Sunbird 13 Centropodidae 0.63% Fig. 2: Distribution of birds feeding habits in the study area 146 Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica R 11.60 N LC 14 Psittacidae 2.53% 147 Loten's Sunbird Cinnyris lotenia R 1.10 N LC 15 Apodidae 0.63% 148 Passeridae Passer domesticus R 1.65 G LC 16 Strigidae 3.80% the Western Ghats (Rasmussen and Anderton, 2012) were House Sparrow 17 Columbidae 3.80% also reported here. 149 Motacillidae Motacilla alba WM 0.30 I LC 18 Rallidae 0.63% White Wagtail 19 Scolopacidae 0.63% Notes on selected species 150 White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis R 8.75 I LC 20 Charadriidae 0.63% LESSER FISH EAGLE Icthyophaga humilis (Near 151 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava WM 1.55 I LC 21 Ardeidae 3.80% Threatened) 152 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea WM 0.55 I LC 22 Ciconiidae 0.63% 153 Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus R 1.50 I LC 23 Accipitridae 5.70% Breeding resident. Historically known to occur in 154 Estrididae Lonchura malacca R 2.35 G LC 24 Podicipedidae 0.63% the Himalayan foothills and north-eastern India (Naoroji, Tricoloured Munia 25 Anhingidae 0.63% 2006). Praveen (2011) reported its distribution in certain 155 Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata R 0.80 G LC 26 Phalacrocoracidae 1.27% locations of south Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala and 156 White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata R 0.65 G LC 27 Pittidae 0.63% Tamil Nadu. During the present study, it was found in the 157 Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica R 0.55 G LC 28 Irenidae 0.63% 158 Fringillidae Carpodacus erythrinus WM 0.55 G LC 29 Chloropsidae 0.63% riparian habitat of Bhavani river, Tamil Nadu. Twenty Common Rosefinch 30 Laniidae 0.63% individuals were found. Three nests were located at Pillur 31 Corvidae 1.90% and Athikadavu. Lesser Fish Eagle nested in two riparian Abbreviations used 32 Artamidae 0.63% tree species namely Terminalia bellirica and Mangifera Threat category : NT = Near Threatened; VU = Vulnerable; EN = Endemic 33 Oriolidae 1.90% Status : R = Resident; SM = Summer Migrant; WM = Winter Migrant indica. Feeding guild : I=Insectivore; F=Frugivore; P=Piscivore; G=Granivore; Cr=Carnivore; O=Omnivore; N=Nectarivore 34 Campephagidae 2.53% 35 Dicruridae 3.80% CHANGEABLE HAWK EAGLE Nisaetus cirrhatus 36 Monarchidae 0.63% Breeding resident. Commonly found in throughout predominant followed by Piciformes with 10 species and riparian forests included Grey-fronted Green Pigeon 37 Aegithinidae 0.63% the area both in riverine and the adjoining dry mixed each nine species Coraciformes and Falconiformes. Of the (31.27) followed by White-browed Bulbul (26.45) and 38 Malconotinae 1.27% deciduous forests. Two nests were located at Athikadvu. 3 orders contained one species which are Upupiformes, Little Cormorant (24.35). 39 Turdinae 3.80% Changeable Hawk Eagle nests were observed little away Trogoniformes and Gruciformes Majority of the families 40 Muscicapinae 3.16% Feeding guild: Among the different avian feeding guilds, from river bank in dry forest patches closer to human are represented by a fewer species. Accipitridae with nine 41 Sturnidae 3.80% insectivores (47%; 74 species) comprised the highest 42 Sittidae 0.63% settlements. Albizia lebbeck and Hardwickia binata trees species followed by Cuculidae (seven species) constituted proportion followed by frugivores (20%; 31 species), 43 Paridae 0.63% were chosen for nesting and old nests were reused. the most prominent avian families. Most of the families piscivores (9.5%; 15 species), etc (Fig.2). 44 Hirundinidae 0.63% contained 1-2 species. Maximum percent occurrence was BONELLI'S EAGLE Hieraaetus fasciatus The avifauna of this locality included a Vulnerable 45 Pycnonotidae 3.16% found in the families: Accipitridae (5.70%) and Cuculidae 46 Cisticolidae 1.90% Breeding resident. One nest was located in species, Nilgiri Woodpigeon (Columba elphinstonii) (IUCN, (4.43%) (Table 2). Of the 158 species, 70% were residents 47 Zosteropidae 0.63% Terminalia arjuna at Athikadavu. and 30% migrants. 2012) and five Near Threatened species namely, Oriental 48 Sylviidae 3.16% Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) (IUCN, 2012), Great 49 Timaliinae 2.53% JERDON'S BAZA Aviceda leuphotes Species richness and diversity: Species richness showed Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) (IUCN, 2013), Malabar Pied 50 Alaudidae 1.27% Breeding resident. One nest was located on highest values in February (127 species) and lowest (75) in Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) (IUCN, 2012), Nilgiri 51 Dicaeidae 1.27% Hardwickia binata tree at Athikadavu. July. Highest diversity was value (4.23) was observed in 52 Nectarinidae 1.90% Flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudata) and Lesser Fish-eagle ORIENTAL DARTER Anhinga melanogaster (Near December and lowest (3.69) in July (Table 3). In general, (Ichthyophaga humilis) (IUCN, 2012). Nilgiri Flycatcher 53 Passeridae 0.63% 54 Motacillidae 3.16% Threatened) bird species richness and diversity was found to be high (Eumyias albicaudata), Nilgiri Woodpigeon (Columba during north-east monsoon and winter and low in summer 55 Estrididae 2.53% Common Resident. No nests were recorded. elphinstonii), Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides) 56 Fringillidae 0.63% and southwest monsoon. Most abundant species of the and Malabar Barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) Endemic to 984 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 985

Table 2: Per cent occurrence of bird family in the study area. S.No. Family/Common name Scientific name Status Abund- Feeding IUCN ance guild status S. No. Family Per cent occurrence 1 Phasianidae 3.16% 137 Timaliinae Dumetia hyperythra R 2.60 I LC Tawny-bellied Babbler 2 Picidae 3.80% 138 Jungle Babbler Turdoides striata R 9.60 I LC 3 Capitonidae 2.53% 139 Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense R 0.70 I LC 4 Bucerotidae 1.90% 140 Common Babbler Turdoides caudata R 21.00 I LC 5 Upupidae 0.63% 141 Alaudidae Mirafra erythroptera WM 0.40 G LC 6 Trogonidae 0.63% Indian Bushlark 7 Coraciidae 0.63% 142 Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans R 0.65 G LC 8 Alcedinidae 0.63% 143 Dicaeidae Dicaeum erythrorhynchos R 4.55 F LC 9 Cerylidae 0.63% Pale-billed Flowerpecker 10 Halcyonidae 1.90% 144 Thick-billed Flowerpecker Pachyglossa agile R 0.75 F LC 11 Meropidae 1.90% 145 Nectarinidae Cinnyris asiatica R 4.60 N LC 12 Cuculidae 4.43% Purple Sunbird 13 Centropodidae 0.63% Fig. 2: Distribution of birds feeding habits in the study area 146 Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica R 11.60 N LC 14 Psittacidae 2.53% 147 Loten's Sunbird Cinnyris lotenia R 1.10 N LC 15 Apodidae 0.63% 148 Passeridae Passer domesticus R 1.65 G LC 16 Strigidae 3.80% the Western Ghats (Rasmussen and Anderton, 2012) were House Sparrow 17 Columbidae 3.80% also reported here. 149 Motacillidae Motacilla alba WM 0.30 I LC 18 Rallidae 0.63% White Wagtail 19 Scolopacidae 0.63% Notes on selected species 150 White-browed Wagtail Motacilla maderaspatensis R 8.75 I LC 20 Charadriidae 0.63% LESSER FISH EAGLE Icthyophaga humilis (Near 151 Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava WM 1.55 I LC 21 Ardeidae 3.80% Threatened) 152 Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea WM 0.55 I LC 22 Ciconiidae 0.63% 153 Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus R 1.50 I LC 23 Accipitridae 5.70% Breeding resident. Historically known to occur in 154 Estrididae Lonchura malacca R 2.35 G LC 24 Podicipedidae 0.63% the Himalayan foothills and north-eastern India (Naoroji, Tricoloured Munia 25 Anhingidae 0.63% 2006). Praveen (2011) reported its distribution in certain 155 Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata R 0.80 G LC 26 Phalacrocoracidae 1.27% locations of south Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala and 156 White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata R 0.65 G LC 27 Pittidae 0.63% Tamil Nadu. During the present study, it was found in the 157 Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica R 0.55 G LC 28 Irenidae 0.63% 158 Fringillidae Carpodacus erythrinus WM 0.55 G LC 29 Chloropsidae 0.63% riparian habitat of Bhavani river, Tamil Nadu. Twenty Common Rosefinch 30 Laniidae 0.63% individuals were found. Three nests were located at Pillur 31 Corvidae 1.90% and Athikadavu. Lesser Fish Eagle nested in two riparian Abbreviations used 32 Artamidae 0.63% tree species namely Terminalia bellirica and Mangifera Threat category : NT = Near Threatened; VU = Vulnerable; EN = Endemic 33 Oriolidae 1.90% Status : R = Resident; SM = Summer Migrant; WM = Winter Migrant indica. Feeding guild : I=Insectivore; F=Frugivore; P=Piscivore; G=Granivore; Cr=Carnivore; O=Omnivore; N=Nectarivore 34 Campephagidae 2.53% 35 Dicruridae 3.80% CHANGEABLE HAWK EAGLE Nisaetus cirrhatus 36 Monarchidae 0.63% Breeding resident. Commonly found in throughout predominant followed by Piciformes with 10 species and riparian forests included Grey-fronted Green Pigeon 37 Aegithinidae 0.63% the area both in riverine and the adjoining dry mixed each nine species Coraciformes and Falconiformes. Of the (31.27) followed by White-browed Bulbul (26.45) and 38 Malconotinae 1.27% deciduous forests. Two nests were located at Athikadvu. 3 orders contained one species which are Upupiformes, Little Cormorant (24.35). 39 Turdinae 3.80% Changeable Hawk Eagle nests were observed little away Trogoniformes and Gruciformes Majority of the families 40 Muscicapinae 3.16% Feeding guild: Among the different avian feeding guilds, from river bank in dry forest patches closer to human are represented by a fewer species. Accipitridae with nine 41 Sturnidae 3.80% insectivores (47%; 74 species) comprised the highest 42 Sittidae 0.63% settlements. Albizia lebbeck and Hardwickia binata trees species followed by Cuculidae (seven species) constituted proportion followed by frugivores (20%; 31 species), 43 Paridae 0.63% were chosen for nesting and old nests were reused. the most prominent avian families. Most of the families piscivores (9.5%; 15 species), etc (Fig.2). 44 Hirundinidae 0.63% contained 1-2 species. Maximum percent occurrence was BONELLI'S EAGLE Hieraaetus fasciatus The avifauna of this locality included a Vulnerable 45 Pycnonotidae 3.16% found in the families: Accipitridae (5.70%) and Cuculidae 46 Cisticolidae 1.90% Breeding resident. One nest was located in species, Nilgiri Woodpigeon (Columba elphinstonii) (IUCN, (4.43%) (Table 2). Of the 158 species, 70% were residents 47 Zosteropidae 0.63% Terminalia arjuna at Athikadavu. and 30% migrants. 2012) and five Near Threatened species namely, Oriental 48 Sylviidae 3.16% Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) (IUCN, 2012), Great 49 Timaliinae 2.53% JERDON'S BAZA Aviceda leuphotes Species richness and diversity: Species richness showed Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) (IUCN, 2013), Malabar Pied 50 Alaudidae 1.27% Breeding resident. One nest was located on highest values in February (127 species) and lowest (75) in Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) (IUCN, 2012), Nilgiri 51 Dicaeidae 1.27% Hardwickia binata tree at Athikadavu. July. Highest diversity was value (4.23) was observed in 52 Nectarinidae 1.90% Flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudata) and Lesser Fish-eagle ORIENTAL DARTER Anhinga melanogaster (Near December and lowest (3.69) in July (Table 3). In general, (Ichthyophaga humilis) (IUCN, 2012). Nilgiri Flycatcher 53 Passeridae 0.63% 54 Motacillidae 3.16% Threatened) bird species richness and diversity was found to be high (Eumyias albicaudata), Nilgiri Woodpigeon (Columba during north-east monsoon and winter and low in summer 55 Estrididae 2.53% Common Resident. No nests were recorded. elphinstonii), Malabar Parakeet (Psittacula columboides) 56 Fringillidae 0.63% and southwest monsoon. Most abundant species of the and Malabar Barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus) Endemic to 986 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 987

Table 3: Mean monthly diversity and richness of bird species in the riparian forest of Athikadavu valley (2012-2014) Discussion altitude evergreen forests to foothill forests for foraging. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. The riparian ecosystem harbours both aquatic and The occurrence of nine species of raptors further signifies Species richness 84 109 111 101 112 113 127 98 92 95 78 75 land birds including several important species (Farooqui et the importance of this bird-habitat. Notable among the Shannon's diversity index 3.97 4.05 4.18 4.15 4.23 4.13 4.18 4.12 4.07 3.97 3.98 3.69 al., 2010). Joshua and Johnsingh (1988) assessed the bird raptors include Bonelli's Eagle and Jerdon's Baza. Jerdon's community of the Mundanthurai plateau in the Western Baza is disjunctly distributed and only rarely sighted in GREAT HORNBILL Buceros bicornis (Near Threatened) individuals of Malabar Whistling Thrush were sighted on Ghats and recorded 159 species in three vegetation types Peninsular India (Ali and Ripley 1983). The occurrence of Common Resident. Two nests were located at 08 April 2013 at 0720 hrs in Pillur and on 06 April 2014 at including the riverine forests. The present study recorded six species of owls indicates that the lowland riparian Athikadavu. Terminalia arjuna trees were used for nesting. 0730 hrs in Athikadavu. 158 species in the riverine forests exclusively, thus forests are favoured home for these nocturnal species. MALABAR PIED HORNBILL Ocyceros birostris (Near MALABAR PARAKEET Psittacula columboides (Endemic) highlighting the significance of riverine forests as an In the study area, bird species richness and diversity Threatened) During the survey it was found commonly important bird habitat in the Western Ghats. A variety of were found higher during December, January and birds including endemic and threatened species occur February. Similar findings were reported in a foot hill forest This species was common resident and widespread throughout the area. The riverine forests are extensively here. Notable water birds include Oriental Darter, Asian of the Nilgiris, Western Ghats (Peter et al., 2015) and in a in the riverine habitat. Thirty individuals are found here. used for foraging. Nests were located both in the riverine Openbill Stork, cormorants, egrets, herons and tropical evergreen forest in the Silent Valley National Park, During the survey it was found commonly throughout the and the adjoining dry deciduous forests. kingfishers. The occurrence of near threatened species Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Jayson and Mathew, 2000; area. Breeding recorded here (Balasubramanian et al., HILL MYNA Gracula religiosa such as Great Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Lesser Fish- Sanalkumar et al., 2012). Johnsingh and Joshu (1994) 2004). Nests were located on Madhuca longifolia, Winter visitor and Altitudinal migrant. This species eagle, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Oriental Darter and the reported maximum species richness in November- Terminalia arjuna and Mangifera indica. mainly inhabits the high altitude evergreen forest of the Vulnerable Nilgiri Woodpigeon (Birdlife International, December in three different vegetation types of the NILGIRI FLYCATCHER Eumyias albicaudatus (Near Western Ghats. Five individuals of Hill Myna were sighted 2001) is interesting. Of these five species, both the hornbill Mundanthurai Plateau, Western Ghats. Threatened) on 05 December 2012 at 0820 hrs and seven individuals species and Lesser Fish-eagle breed in the riparian forests Conclusion Winter migrant and Altitudinal migrant. This species were seen on 03 January 2013 at 0830 hrs in Pillur. Next (personal observations). The Lesser Fish-eagle and To conclude it may be noted that this low-land is endemic to the Western Ghats commonly found in the year seven species of Hill Myna were seen on 02 December Malabar Pied Hornbill are habitat specialists mainly riparian forest site that harbour diverse avian fauna, shola and evergreen forests. Two individuals were sighted 2013 at 0900 hrs and nine individuals were seen on 04 inhabiting the lowland riparian forests (Ali and Ripley, constitutes an important bird habitat in the Nilgiri on 02 January 2013 at 0800 hrs in Pillur and one individual January 2014 at 0830 hrs in Pillur. 1983; Balasubramanian et al., 2004). Presence of tall trees Biosphere Reserve. The impact of anthropogenic on 04 February 2013 at 0820 hrs in Athikadavu. It is an EURASIAN BLACKBIRD Turdus merula with large canopy makes it an ideal nesting site of these pressures on the alteration of this habitat might affect the altitudinal migrant appears to come from the upper Nilgiri large birds. The sighting of altitudinal migrants such as Winter visitor and Altitudinal migrant. Generally survival of habitat specialists such as Malabar Pied hills. inhabits the shola forests (Montane temperate forest) and Malabar Whistling Thrush, Malabar Trogon, Malabar Barbet, Nilgiri Flycatcher, Eurasian Blackbird, Hill Myna Hornbill and Lesser Fish-eagle and hence conservation NILGIRI WOODPIGEON Columba elphinstonii (Vulnerable) Tropical Evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. A flock of measures needs to be stepped up. Indian Blackbirds was sighted in Pillur from 30 January and Nilgiri Woodpigeon indicates that these species use Winter visitor and Altitudinal migrant. This species the riparian forests during their migration from high is endemic to the Western Ghats commonly found in the 2014 to 05 February 2014 and the flock size varied from 12 shola forests (montane temperate forest). An individual of to 20. Nilgiri Woodpigeon was sighted on 03 September 2012 at ASIAN OPENBILL Anastomus oscitans Acknowledgements 0845 hrs and on 10 September 2013 at 0845 hrs in An important wetland species was recorded during Authors thank the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India for funding Athikadavu. winter in small numbers (5-12 birds). A flock of birds were assistance. Thanks to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu Forest Department for granting the field work MALABAR TROGON Harpactes fasciatus sighted on 4 February 2014 at 1745 hrs in Pillur which were permission. They are thankful to Dr. P. A. Azeez, Director and Dr Rajah Jayapal, Principal Scientist, Salim Ali Centre for Winter visitor and Altitudinal migrant. This species spotted for a week and they were roosting on Hardwickia Ornithology and Natural History for the useful suggestions. is a denizen of the tropical evergreen forests of the binata tree at Neeradi. Western Ghats. Two individuals of Malabar Trogon were BLACK-CAPED KINGFISHER Halcyon pileata fuyfxfj tho&e.My fjtoZ] Hkkjr esa rVorhZ ou dh i{kh fofo/rk sighted on 05 September 2012 at 1045 hrs in Athikadavu, Winter visitor. This species has been reported in ih- ef.kdUnu vkSj ih- ckyklqcze.;u on 12 October 2013 at 1030hrs in Pillur and 30 September Coimbatore region way back in 1956 (Anon. 1956) and no 2014 at 0930 hrs in Pillur. further sightings reported. During the present study, a lkjka'k MALABR BARBET Psilopogon malabaricus (Endemic) single bird was spotted in the riverine forests of Pillur at fuyfxfj tho&e.My fjtoZ] Hkkjr esa vxLr 2012 ls tqykbZ] 2014 rd Hkokuh unh ds lkFk&lkFk fuEuHkwfe rVorhZ ou esa 56 dqyksa ls Winter visitor and Altitudinal Migrant. This species 1730hrs on 30 March 2013 and a single bird seen on 02 lacaf/r if{k;ksa dh dqy 158 iztkfr;ksa dks vfHkfyf[kr fd;k x;kA if{k;ksa dh 158 iztkfr;ksa esa ls 110 iztkfr;ka LFkkfud Fkh] 33 lnhZ dh izoklh mainly inhabits the high altitude evergreen forest of the February 2014 at 0900 hrs in Athikadavu and the bird was Fkh vkSj 15 xjeh dh izoklh FkhA x.k iklhfjiQkWehZl iz/kurk esa mPpre Fkh blds ckn fifliQkWehZl ,oa iQkYdksfuiQkWehZl FkhA dhVHkf{k;ksa (47 photographed. Western Ghats. One bird was seen on 05 December 2012 izfr'kr)dk lcls iz/ku la?k Fkk blds ckn iQyHkf{k;ksa (20 izfr'kr) dk jgkA mPpre iztkfr le`}rk (127) iQjojh esa vkSj U;wure (75) tqykbZ at 0730 hrs in Pillur and two individuals of Malabar BROWN FISH OWL Ketupa zeylonensis esa izsf{kr dh xbZA vf/dre fofo/rk eku (4-23) fnlEcj esa vfHkfyf[kr fd;k x;kA vè;;u {ks=k ds i{kh izkf.ktkr ,d ladVLFk iztkfr] Barbet were sighted on 04 April 2013 at 0830 hrs at Summer visitor. Brown Fish Owl was sighted on 15 fuyfxfj oqMfith;u (dkWywEck byfiQULVksukb) vfr laosnu'khy vkSj ikap yxHkx ladVLFk iztkfr ,ao pkj LFkkfud iztkfr dks feykdj gSaA bl Athikadavu. May 2013 at 0720 hrs in Athikadavu and 03 April 2014 at MALABAR WHISTLING THRUSH Myophonus horsfieldii 0800 hrs in Pillur. vè;;u esa fuEuHkwfe rVorhZ ou dh i{kh fofo/rk ij mi;ksxh lwpuk nh xbZ gS] tks Hkkoh 'kks/ vkSj vuqoh{k.k ds fy, ,d vk/kj js[kk ds :i esa Summer visitor and Altitudinal migrant. Two dk;Z djsxhA 986 The Indian Forester [October 2016] Bird diversity of a riparian forest in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India 987

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